[Gamakatsu]

Gottog, you have the same disease that I do, I count green crabs instead of sheep when I can't sleep in the fall. Unfortunately, the fall is when I am the busiest at work so I only get in a couple of trips a year nowadays. Anyway, while we are on the topic of blackfish, I want to warn all of those that pursue this great fish: BIG changes are on the table regarding regulation. There is a possibility of a 3 fish bag limit with a 16 or 18 inch size limit. We are good to go for the this year, but the future does not look so bright. While I don't mind the size limit too much, the 3 fish bag limit is ridiculous. It looks like the recreationals are going to get screwed again due to the commercial industry's uncanny ability to rape and pillage our resources. If the blackfish are in such a state of collapse, then perhaps they should just shut it down for everybody...

Gamakatsu

 

[Gamakatsu]

Gottog, I have never tried shedder oil, but it stands to reason that it might work. Supposedly the oil has a unique scent that attracts predator fish to a shedding crab. I assume that you are fishing the Jersey shore with all those small fish. I much prefer the LI Sound for big fish as I can honestly say that in 3 trips last year I did not catch one short. I used to go through the crabs on the trip out to pick out the small ones to use whole. The past two years I have been using 3/4 of a large green crab and have found that bigger fish definitely like bigger baits.

Gamakatsu



This message was edited by Gamakatsu on 9-21-01 @ 1:31 PM

 

[Gamakatsu]

Anybody here have any experience using sand fleas for blackfish? I was reading in another discussion that someone had positive results with them. I have never tried them or seen them used on boat, but I can see where they might work.

Gamakatsu

 

[Gamakatsu]

Leo,

I usually fish the James Joseph out of Huntington for blackfish as I have yet to find a better boat for them. I have tried the CT side party boats a couple of times, but I have not done as well there. Interestingly, the James Joseph mostly fishes on the CT side of the Sound. Go figure...The weights seem a little high, but not out of bounds, I have had some phenomenal trips with many, many fish over 5 pounds.

Gamakatsu



This message was edited by Gamakatsu on 9-30-01 @ 9:23 PM

 

[Gamakatsu]

Leo, late October thru Thanksgiving seems to be the ideal time on the James Joseph and I have always done very well right around election day. I honestly don't know exactly when he starts fishing, but I would imagine shortly after season opens. You must expect a crowd on this boat too, especially if you have a real nice day weather wise. If you have the luxury, pick a day that is off the full or new moon as the tides will be lighter. Also, bring some diamond jigs as sometimes when the tide is off (fish don't bite then) he will jig for an hour or two. You should also note that this is NOT a boat for children or virgen ears. The captain is a bit of a loose cannon and you should expect some interesting antics on his part....You can email me at [email protected] if you have any more questions.

Gamakatsu

This message was edited by Gamakatsu on 10-2-01 @ 9:33 AM

 

[Gamakatsu]

Bluegill, I live in Jersey, so it is much easier for me to get to the Snow Goose in Greenwich than to Huntington. I have fished them a couple of times for blackfish and done okay. I like the crew alot and they fish within 15 minutes of the dock for the most part, giving a lot of fishing time. The fish run smaller than when I go on the James Joseph and he only uses one anchor so the boat can swing at times. If you are not on the Island, you should consider the boat, but there is no reason to drive there from LI. If I have the time, I make the trip to the James Joseph as he has ONE spot that he basically owns and it produces BIG fish (5 - 7 pounds on average). You may ask how he can own a spot; after you fish the boat once you will see why. When that spot does not produce, you are on an even keel with every other knowledgeable captain out there.

Regarding the James Joseph and the Noli Eileen, they are both great boats with competent crews and the Noli Eileen is more family oriented. I fish the Noli Eileen when I take my son and also for fluke on rare occasions. However, during blackfish season the James Joseph is full before the Noli Eileen has 15 passengers, so that should tell you the story.

Gamakatsu

 

[Gamakatsu]

WOW!

(This post edited by Gamakatsu on 11/13/2003)

 

[Gamakatsu]

WOW!

(This post edited by Gamakatsu on 11/13/2003)

 

[Gamakatsu]

Good news, blackfish regs will remain status quo for the next year...

Gamakatsu